What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, an access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments. The root canals are then filled with an inert filling material.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and the canals are filled, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed. Root canal treatment is just like a regular filling that goes into the roots themselves.
If two visits are needed, it is at the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
This is a way to save a tooth, and prevent or take away discomfort. It is rare that we have patients who experience pain after the procedure.
Occasionally after treatment, your tooth may have some slight sensitivity, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, an access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments. The root canals are then filled with an inert filling material.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and the canals are filled, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed. Root canal treatment is just like a regular filling that goes into the roots themselves.
If two visits are needed, it is at the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
This is a way to save a tooth, and prevent or take away discomfort. It is rare that we have patients who experience pain after the procedure.
Occasionally after treatment, your tooth may have some slight sensitivity, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
